IT Application Specialist

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Application Management:

• Oversee the implementation, operation, and maintenance of local and global applications.
• Implement and maintain local IT processes like IT Demand Management, Application Portfolio Management.
• Collaborate with vendors and global IT teams on application rollouts and upgrades.
• Support the digitalization of the club proactively through IT innovations.
• Ensure local applications meet business requirements and adhere to global Red Bull IT standards.
• Oversee overall IT application management, service operations, and support for local soccer facilities (operations, service and end-user support, service management).

Business Relationship Management:

• Act as the primary IT point of contract for local business stakeholders and leaders.
• Communicate technical solutions clearly to non-technical audiences.
• Gather business requirements and translate them into actionable IT solutions.
• Communicate effectively with stakeholders to ensure a clear understanding and collaboration.
• Provide regular reports on IT activities to local and HQ management.

Project Management:

• Lead and support projects according to Red Bull’s IT Project Management methodology.
• Enable new digital initiatives, collaborate with global IT teams.
• Coordinate project tasks, resources, and timelines, ensuring deliverables meet business expectations.
• Discuss technical requirements and business demands with global IT.

Vendor Management:

• Build and maintain strong relationships with key IT vendors.
• Oversee vendor contracts and ensure services align with business needs.
• Serve as the escalation point for vendor-related issues.
• Support the IT Manager in managing, aligning, and monitoring the application budget, including handling invoices to ensure efficient operations.

IT Security and Compliance:

• Ensure all software applications comply with relevant laws, regulations, contractual obligations, security and compliance standards.
• Identify and mitigate risks related to application operations and data management to prevent any unpleasant incidents or service issues.

IT Support Process:

• Ensure a gameday-ready IT setup locally (network, server, applications)
• Coordinate with operational partners and event IT support staff
• Manage and resolve application and infrastructure issues and manage incidents
• Monitor employee user support, KPI dashboards, and track the ticket queue using the central Service Desk platform

Key Skills:

• University degree in Computer Science, Technology, or a related field in any IT subject.
• Proven min. 3 years of hands-on IT experience, focusing on software application implementation and operations in Global IT organization.
• Proven ability to collaborate with vendors and business stakeholders to deliver IT Solutions.
• Strong understanding of software lifecycle management, including implementation, support, and upgrades.
• Native in Japanese and Fluency in English (written and verbal) is mandatory.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to work effectively with both technical and non-technical teams.
• Ability to develop and maintain local IT processes in alignment with global standards.
• An excellent operator with a hands-on approach and a positive attitude.
• Experience in budget management, IT sourcing, and vendor/license management.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, along with the ability to effectively advocate for IT and engage with business partners in a sporting environment.

Nice to have:

• Knowledge of and experience with software and hardware technologies utilized in team sports or event environments is not essential but beneficial.
• Experience in IT project management or coordinating IT initiatives.
• Basic knowledge of IT infrastructure (e.g., network setup, servers).
• Familiarity with IT security and compliance requirements.
• Exposure to IT operations in team sports or event environments.

General Skills/Knowledge:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills and exceptional interpersonal abilities in both English and Japanese.
• Capability to present ideas in business-appropriate and user-friendly language, complemented by a strong service orientation.
• Highly self-motivated and proactive, with a positive and pragmatic attitude
• Ability to perform well under pressure, with a strong business and customer focus.
• Ability to organize, prioritize, and coordinate multiple tasks.
• Proficient in problem-solving and with a flexible and pragmatic can-do attitude
• A passion for soccer and team sports

TRAVEL (% of total time):

• 10%